'Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie, The' by Robert Burns
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The Author's Only Pet Yowe
An Unco Mournfu' Tale
As Mailie, an' her lambs thegither,
Was ae day nibbling on the tether,
Upon her cloot she coost a hitch,
An owre she warsl'd in the ditch:
There, groaning, dying, she did lie,
When Hughoc he cam doytin by.
Wi' glowrin een, and lifted han's
Poor Hughoc like a statue stan's;
He saw her days were near-hand ended,
But, wae's my heart! he could na mend it!
He gaped wide, but naething spak,
At length poor Mailie silence brak.
"O thou, whase lamentable face
Appears to mourn my woefu' case!
My dying words attentive hear,
An' bear them to my Master dear.
"Tell him, if e'er again he keep
As muckle gear as buy a sheep -
O, bid him never tie them mair,
Wi' wicked strings o' hemp or hair!
But ca' them out to park or hill,
An' let them wander at their will:
So may his flock increase, an' grow
To scores o' lambs, an' packs o' woo'!
"Tell him, he was a Master kin',
An' aye was guid to me an' mine;
An now my dying charge I gie him,
My helpless lambs, I trust them wi' him.
"O, bid him save their harmless lives,
Frae dogs, an' tods, an' butchers' knives!
But gie them guid cow-milk their fill,
Till they be fit to fend themsel';
An' tent them duly, e'en an' morn,
Wi' taets o' hay an' ripps o' corn.
"An' may they never learn the gates,
Of ither vile, wanrestfu' pets -
To slink thro' slaps, an' reave an' steal
At stacks o' pease, or stocks o' kail!
So may they, like their great forbears,
For mony a year come thro' the shears:
So wives will gie them bits o' bread,
An bairns greet for them when they're dead.
"My poor toop-lamb, my son an' heir,
O, bid him breed him up wi' care!
An' if he live to be a beast,
To pit some havins in his breast!
An' warn him - what I winna name -
To stay content wi' yowes at hame;
An' no to rin an' wear his cloots,
Like ither meseless, graceless brutes.
"An' neist, my yowie, silly thing,
Gude keep thee frae a tether string!
O, may thou ne'er forgather up,
Wi' ony blastit, moorland toop;
But aye keep mind to moop an' mell,
Wi' sheep o' credit like thysel'!
"And now, my bairns, wi' my last breath,
I lea'e my blessin wi' you baith:
An' when you think upo' your mither,
Mind to be kind to ane anither.
"Now, honest Hughoc, dinna fail,
To tell my master a' my tale;
An' bid him burn this cursed tether,
An' for thy pains thou'se get my blather."
This said, poor Mailie turn'd her head,
An' closed her een amang the dead!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Tragic Tale of Poor Mailie: An Analysis of Burns' Masterful Poetry
When we think of Robert Burns, we often envision a romanticized version of his life - a charming Scottish farm boy turned renowned poet, celebrated for his love of nature, women, and whisky. But Burns was also a keen observer of the harsh realities of rural life, and his poems often delve into the darker aspects of humanity - poverty, death, and despair. One such poem is "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie", a masterpiece of poetic storytelling that explores the tragic demise of a beloved farm animal. In this essay, we will undertake a detailed analysis and interpretation of this haunting work, seeking to uncover its deeper themes and meanings.
A Brief Summary of the Poem
Before we dive into the heart of the poem, let's take a moment to summarize its plot. "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" tells the story of a ewe, named Mailie, who has fallen ill and is near death. The poem is structured as a series of increasingly desperate pleas from Mailie to her human caretaker, who is depicted as callous and indifferent to her suffering. Mailie begs for food, water, and comfort, but her requests are ignored, and she dies alone in a field. The poem ends with a stark reminder of the fragility of life, as the narrator reflects on Mailie's fate and the inevitability of death.
An Analysis of the Poetic Form and Language
One of the first things that strikes the reader about "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" is its unique structure. The poem consists of nine stanzas, each of which is comprised of four lines of iambic tetrameter. This regularity of form contributes to the poem's musicality, as the rhythm of the lines creates a steady beat that propels the narrative forward. At the same time, the strict adherence to form also serves to underscore the poem's thematic content - the inevitability of death and the unyielding march of time. The regularity of the lines is like the steady ticking of a clock, a reminder that life is fleeting and that death will come for us all.
But it is not just the form of the poem that is noteworthy - the language itself is rich with symbolism and meaning. For example, Mailie's name itself is laden with significance. In Scottish dialect, "mailie" means "hairy", and the ewe is described as having a "thick, waving mane". This emphasis on her hairiness serves to humanize Mailie, making her more than just a farm animal - she is a creature with a personality, a history, and a sense of self. The fact that she is given a name at all is also significant, as it implies that she is valued and loved by her caretaker.
Another key element of the poem's language is the repeated use of animal imagery to describe Mailie's condition. She is "poor", "feeble", and "wan", her breath is "short", and her eyes are "dim". These descriptions serve to underscore the vulnerability and fragility of life, and to elicit sympathy and empathy from the reader. By using animalistic imagery to describe Mailie, Burns is also making a broader commentary on the human condition. We are all, in some sense, animals - subject to the same forces of nature, and ultimately powerless in the face of death.
The Themes of Death and Suffering
At its core, "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" is a meditation on the themes of death and suffering. The poem is suffused with a sense of melancholy and despair, as Mailie's pleas for help go unanswered, and she is left to die alone. This sense of isolation and abandonment is further emphasized by the poem's setting - a desolate field, with no shelter or comfort to be found.
But the poem is not only a lament for Mailie's death - it is also a broader commentary on the human experience. We are all, in some sense, Mailie - vulnerable, mortal creatures, subject to the whims of fate and the inevitability of our own mortality. The poem's stark reminder of this fact serves as a call to action, urging the reader to live their life fully and to cherish the time they have, before it is too late.
The Role of the Human Caretaker
Another key aspect of the poem is the role of the human caretaker. Throughout the poem, he is depicted as callous and indifferent to Mailie's suffering. He ignores her cries for help, and fails to provide her with the basic necessities of life. This portrayal of the human as cruel and uncaring serves as a commentary on the harsh realities of rural life, where animals are often treated as mere commodities, rather than living beings with their own rights and needs.
But the human caretaker is also symbolic of a broader societal indifference to suffering. In a world where poverty, disease, and death are all too common, it is all too easy to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, and to prioritize our own needs and desires over those of the less fortunate. The human caretaker's callousness, then, serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and compassion in the face of suffering.
Conclusion: A Masterful Work of Poetic Storytelling
In conclusion, "The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" is a masterful work of poetic storytelling, which explores the themes of death, suffering, and the human condition. Through its musical language, animalistic imagery, and poignant themes, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, and the need to cherish every moment we have. It is a haunting and deeply affecting work, which remains as relevant and profound today as it did when Burns first penned it over two centuries ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Burns is one of the most celebrated poets in Scottish literature, and his poem "Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" is a classic example of his work. This poem tells the story of a dying sheep named Mailie, who speaks her last words to her owner before passing away. The poem is a poignant reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, and it is a testament to Burns' skill as a poet.
The poem begins with Mailie lying on the ground, surrounded by her lambs. She is weak and dying, and she knows that her time is running out. She speaks to her owner, a farmer, and tells him that she is ready to die. She asks him to take care of her lambs and to remember her fondly. She says that she has lived a good life, and that she is ready to move on to the next world.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, but it is also deeply moving. Burns uses vivid imagery to describe Mailie's surroundings, and he captures the essence of her character in just a few lines. For example, he describes her as "auld and stiff" and "weary, worn, and blind." These words paint a picture of a sheep who has lived a long and difficult life, but who has also persevered through it all.
The poem also contains a number of religious references, which reflect Burns' own beliefs. Mailie speaks of "the happy land" and "the shining throne" where she will go after she dies. These references to heaven and God are common themes in Burns' work, and they add a spiritual dimension to the poem.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way that Burns gives Mailie a voice. In most literature, animals are portrayed as mute and passive creatures, but in this poem, Mailie is given the ability to speak and to express her thoughts and feelings. This gives her a sense of agency and dignity that is often denied to animals in literature.
The poem also touches on themes of mortality and the cycle of life. Mailie's death is a reminder that all living things must eventually pass away, and that death is a natural part of the cycle of life. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted as a natural part of the world.
Overall, "Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of Robert Burns' work. It is a testament to his skill as a poet, and it is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. Whether you are a fan of Scottish literature or simply appreciate great poetry, this poem is a must-read.
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